Jordan Spieth Blazes The Front Nine In 31 To Scare The Leaders

The story heading into Masters Sunday centred on the epic duel between leader Patrick Reed and second-placed Rory McIlroy.

That contest has lived up to the billing thus far, with the dynamic duo trading shots across the front nine without really extricating themselves from the chasing pack. Reed is even par for the day through seven holes, McIlroy is +1, with genius often being followed by calamity.

While that fight takes place, some of the young guns of the game have mounted a late challenge, chief among them being 2015 champion Jordan Spieth.

The 24-year-old led after the first day with an excellent 66, but subsequent rounds of 74 and 71 saw him start today’s round a mammoth nine shots behind his fellow Texan Reed. But a magnificent 31 on the front nine featuring five birdies sees him re-enter the champion fray.

Spanish sensation Jon Rahm has also staked a claim for the coveted green jacket. Rahm is only -2 for the first eight holes, but having started on -8, the CareerBuilder Challenge winner is four behind Reed, and now level with Rory McIlroy, who’s three bogeys leave him one over for the day’s play at -10.